"Deal."
The word came out almost through clenched teeth.
Yet despite that—
the negotiation had actually succeeded.
"This month, the Kingdom of Loren has been engaged in several conflicts with neighboring nations," the Vice President said. "The military will likely place orders for some of these Nation-Destroyer materials as well."
Rei silently compared the purchasing power of this world with that of Earth.
Although the goods available in both worlds were impossible to equate directly—
things like healing potions and magic simply didn't exist on Earth—
there were still some points of reference.
After rough calculations:
20 silver coins ≈ about 6,000 yuan.
In this world, a Level-2 professional who didn't go adventuring would earn only 10–20 silver per month.
Which meant—
1 gold coin ≈ roughly 30,000 yuan.
Back then, when that group spent 2 gold and 26 silver on their celebration banquet…
it was obvious just how extravagant it had been.
And the luxury hotel charging 100 gold per night?
That was absurdly luxurious.
As for this 120 million gold coins deal…
That wasn't money anyone could casually produce.
"Here are 20 million gold coins," the Vice President said as he handed over a contract parchment.
Oh?
So instead of bank cards—
this world used contracts?
That made sense.
In a world with magic, contracts obviously carried far more binding force than bank cards.
"And the rest?" Rei asked.
The Vice President's lips twitched slightly.
"Even for the Myriad Goods Consortium, mobilizing hundreds of millions of gold coins instantly isn't possible."
"If too much capital leaves our accounts at once, the consortium's operations will suffer."
"The remaining payment will be transferred to your contract account within five months."
"Payments will be made on the first day of each month."
Akasei nodded.
"No problem."
"Just make sure you don't forget about it during the Month of Forgetting."
"With a contract in place, we certainly won't forget."
After December, the month of Death and Destruction, came January—The Month of Forgetting.
During this month, people became far more prone to forgetting things.
Many individuals relied on journals or written notes to remember important matters.
Even so—
the month was troublesome.
Once something slipped from your memory,
it was often impossible to recall, no matter how detailed your notes were.
"Alright then, we'll be leaving."
"Don't forget to send the money."
Akasei waved and left with Rei.
Watching Akasei's departing figure,
the Vice President let out a long sigh.
But when he turned back to look at the goods—
his eyes lit up again.
This shipment alone could generate billions of gold coins in profit over the coming decades.
If managed properly,
the consortium might even establish a new brand specializing in high-end Nation-Destroyer monster products.
…
At the Myriad Goods Consortium, Rei opened a contract account.
A circular rune appeared on the back of his hand.
The mark glowed faintly when activated,
then faded again.
This was a Money Contract.
Through the contract, one could deposit or withdraw gold coins at the consortium.
As for the possibility of the contract being destroyed—
there were multiple layers of magical restrictions preventing that.
In theory, it was impossible to break.
It also saved a great deal of storage space.
And prevented thief-class professionals from stealing storage bags or rings to take your wealth.
The 20 million gold coins were transferred directly into Rei's account.
According to Akasei:
The first 60 million would go entirely to Rei.
The remaining 60 million would belong to Akasei.
Akasei…
Earlier, Rei had thought he was a stingy guy who made others pay even when drinking.
Apparently—
that judgment had been completely wrong.
…
[Listening Springs Bathhouse]
Elegant.
Truly elegant.
Rei hadn't expected a place like this to exist in this world.
They soaked in a golden-lit bath pool, its surface shimmering under the light.
Apparently the pool water was prepared by professional alchemists, mixed with specialized potions.
After soaking,
Rei genuinely felt his entire body relax.
After the medicinal bath,
they moved up to the fifth floor.
A line of beautiful attendants wearing black stockings stood neatly in a row.
Akasei…
Is this massage you mentioned really legitimate?
It was.
The massage itself was completely proper.
Though the techniques of this other world were certainly different.
As they worked, Rei felt waves of warm energy flowing through his muscles and bones.
Apparently the therapists were Level-3 Healing Casters, masters of Life Principles.
Through specialized techniques, they could infuse life energy into the body—
relieving fatigue and restoring mental clarity.
While enjoying the experience,
Rei couldn't help thinking:
Professionals really were different.
Earth's massages simply couldn't compare.
"Mm~"
"Ugh~"
"Ah~"
Akasei…
Could you stop making those noises?
Listening to a grown man moan like that was deeply uncomfortable.
"Mmm—"
Still…
the technique was so good that even Rei couldn't help letting out a soft sound himself.
…
By the time they finished relaxing,
it was already late at night.
Akasei grinned.
"So? Didn't I tell you this place was great?"
Rei nodded.
"It really is… pretty good."
Akasei hadn't brought him to some shady establishment.
This place was genuinely a proper bathhouse and relaxation center.
The medicinal baths and therapists were simply far more advanced and professional than ordinary establishments.
Aside from that—
there was nothing else.
Of course…
Rei couldn't guarantee the place didn't offer other services.
But he was still technically a kid, so Akasei certainly wouldn't bring him somewhere inappropriate.
Back at the hotel,
Rei reviewed the day's results.
Souls — 35,220,000
Gold — 20,140,000
In just one day, his gains had been enormous.
And he had even enjoyed a proper relaxation session to remove fatigue.
Life in this other world really wasn't bad at all.
…
Early the next morning.
The first thing Rei did after waking up was leave the city to collect souls.
Leaving the City Within the Circle, he traveled dozens of kilometers until he reached the sealed location of the Thousand-Legion Ant Hill.
40,000,000
50,000,000
60,000,000
…
97,250,000 Souls
"Overnight, it produced this many ants again?"
Rei couldn't help recalling a science video he had once watched.
If all 8 billion humans on Earth were compressed into a single sphere,
the resulting mass would form a giant flesh ball less than one kilometer in diameter.
The mountain chamber Akasei had carved out was roughly one kilometer wide and long.
It wasn't as tall—
but it could easily contain hundreds of millions of fist-sized black ants.
After collecting the souls,
Rei sealed the chamber again.
By the time he returned,
it was nearly noon.
"Morning, Akasei."
Akasei yawned.
"No dungeon grinding today."
"Kumironia dragged me off to help her with something."
In any case,
Rei's Sacrifice ability wasn't going anywhere.
Making money could wait a little.
He headed up to the 30th floor.
Surprisingly—
Pali wasn't there today.
Rei recalled the last time she had suddenly disappeared.
A flicker of unease passed through his mind.
But then he remembered—
this was the City Within the Circle.
One of the Five Great Cities of Loren.
And people like Akasei, Kumironia, and Obardis were present.
Why worry?
Even if the sky collapsed,
it wouldn't fall on him.
[Wonderful Arcane Artifacts Shop]
"Boss."
Rei returned to the shop.
"Oh! Little Rei!"
"Your magic staff is still being crafted. It'll take a little longer."
"What's wrong? Getting impatient?"
Rei chuckled.
"Not really. I just came to buy some other magical items."
"Feel free to browse. If you see something you like, tell me. I'll give you a discount."
The boss seemed busy working in the back room.
So Rei began browsing the shop.
At last, the sales clerk finally came over to help.
"Hey there, brother. Looking for something?"
Rei nodded.
"What kind of defensive magical equipment do you have?"
The clerk immediately began introducing items.
"This magic robe has a Level-4 Arrow-Warding Enchantment. It automatically deflects incoming arrows."
"This robe carries a Dulling Guard Enchantment. Sharp weapons struggle to pierce it."
…
After listening for a while,
Rei simply gestured across the display.
"Alright."
"I'll take all of these."
The clerk froze.
"You mean… all of them?"
"Yeah. All."
The clerk laughed awkwardly.
"Brother… the equipment here isn't like other stores. These are all premium items."
"Each one starts at over 10,000 gold coins."
But when he saw Rei's completely unwavering smile,
he realized—
Rei wasn't joking.
So he began removing the robes from the wall.
Twenty-five magic robes in total.
All different styles.
"Oh, and those rings too."
"And those pendants."
"Oh—and give me ten pairs of those boots over there."
The clerk stared at him in disbelief.
…Wait.
Brother.
Are you shopping here?
Or are you restocking inventory for your own store?
..
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